Just when we thought spring had arrived for good, Colorado had other plans. After several warm days, many of us started planting gardens, only to learn we’ll need to cover those baby plants and veggies as colder weather and snow move back in. Classic April in Denver.
Another thing that’s growing (how’s that for a segue?) is the amount raised during our Spring Fling fundraiser. So far we’ve raised $6,100 toward our $10,000 goal, with two weeks remaining.
A huge thank you to Jerry, Michael, Sam, Ann and Kyle for their recent contributions. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to read this piece from our publisher Vicky Collins, who explains our mission to reinvent local news in Denver. We truly need the community behind us to keep this work going.
Denver Moves Forward Contract with Veo Scooters
Longtime scooter and e-bike operators Lime and Bird are set to be replaced by a single vendor after Denver City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a new contract this week. If the full council signs off later this month, Veo will begin deploying scooters and e-bikes citywide starting May 1. Our Diego Simental breaks down what happened at the council meeting, why the city chose Veo and how the transition could affect riders across Denver.
Aurora’s New City Council Members Push for Change
Newly elected Aurora councilmembers Gianina Horton and Alli Jackson are part of a younger generation of leaders who say representation, accountability and community engagement must guide the city’s future. Both women were elected in November 2025 and are among several new councilmembers who helped shift the political balance of the Aurora City Council. Khaleigh Reed spoke with Horton and Jackson about why they ran for office and what they hope to accomplish for the city.
DPS Sponsors Bucket List
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Denver Public Schools, celebrating school pride through identity, culture and teamwork. At Thomas Jefferson High School, senior Ellie Huntsman redefines what it means to lead with heart. From varsity athletics to student leadership, environmental advocacy and Wish Week fundraising, Ellie is known for lifting others up. By both cheering from the stands and supporting classmates behind the scenes, she reminds us that true leadership is rooted in empathy, service and pride. Read and watch her story.
South High School Marks 100 Years of History
More than 500 alumni, students and educators gathered on April 10 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Denver South High School. The day included reunions, an architectural tour of the Romanesque campus and a decades-spanning conversation featuring alumni speakers such as U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. John Hall and NFL player Calais Campbell. Reporter Ella Berry attended the celebration and captured how a century-old school continues to shape generations of students and alumni.
Students Take Center Stage at Bi-Frost Film & Art Show
Young artists from across Denver Public Schools showcased their creativity during the fourth annual Bi-Frost Film Festival & Art Show at MCA Denver’s Holiday Theater. The festival highlights how students are using art and film to explore identity, culture and storytelling. Rawaa Zardy, a Bucket List student journalist from Thomas Jefferson High School, attended the event and reports on how the festival gives young artists a platform to share their voices.
Stuff We Noticed
Colorado’s electricity bills remain below national average. Colorado residents continue to pay less for electricity than much of the country, according to recent reporting from Axios. The average monthly electricity bill in Denver is about $95, while Moffat County is projected to have the lowest average bill in the state at about $85. Washington County, east of Denver, has the highest average at about $130. As energy demand grows and AI-powered data centers expand, electricity costs are expected to become an increasingly important political issue.
The Pearl closes its doors. The Pearl, Denver’s only lesbian bar, announced its permanent closure this week. The bar served as a gathering place for Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, but owners and staff say internal conflicts, maintenance issues and operational challenges ultimately led to the decision to dissolve its LLC. The city seized the property on Wednesday due to unpaid taxes, but building owner Danny Newman assured the groups that those who had events at the former Merc would still have their dates and access to the venue.
Earth Day tree sale. Earth Day arrives April 22, and The Park People are marking the occasion with their annual Earth Day Tree Sale this Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon at The Treehouse, 450 Decatur St. The event offers fruit, ornamental and shade trees at 50–60% off typical nursery prices, giving Denver residents a chance to add greenery to their yards while supporting urban tree planting efforts.
That’s it for this week, Bucket Listers! If you still haven’t been persuaded to support our Spring Fling fundraiser, our Ryland Scholes has one more nudge for you. We know we ask a lot, and we truly appreciate your patience. Community contributions are the seeds that help us grow and continue producing local journalism for Denver. Your support helps create a more informed, engaged and connected metro Denver, and we are deeply grateful. See you next week!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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